Walk through Annapolis’s Historic District on a 3-hour guided tour featuring landmarks like the State House and Georgian mansions, punctuated by a hearty lunch at Galway Bay Restaurant. Discover the city’s rich colonial history and unique local stories with Colonial Tours of Annapolis.
Walk through Annapolis’s Historic District on a 3-hour guided tour featuring landmarks like the State House and Georgian mansions, punctuated by a hearty lunch at Galway Bay Restaurant. Discover the city’s rich colonial history and unique local stories with Colonial Tours of Annapolis.
Book with Colonial Tours of Annapolis
Verified experiences and guided adventures in the surrounding area.
Operated by Colonial Tours of Annapolis · Annapolis, Maryland
Annapolis, Maryland’s charming capital, is a compact waterfront city steeped in American history and vibrant maritime culture. At its heart, Colonial Tours of Annapolis offers a sharply detailed, 3-hour Historic Walking Tour and Lunch/Dinner experience that goes beyond typical sightseeing. Centered around the city’s well-preserved Historic District along West Street, this trip offers a blend of leisurely urban walking and a sit-down meal to soak in the local flavor.
Setting off from 26 West St, the tour gently winds through less than a mile of cobbled streets, revealing iconic landmarks such as the Maryland State House—once the nation’s capitol—and stunning Georgian-style mansions that echo the architectural elegance of the 18th century. The route also includes St. Anne's Parish and the Hammond-Harwood and Paca Houses, each narrating layers of colonial life and politics.
One of the tour’s unique features is the storytelling around Annapolis’s deep-rooted rivalry between the U.S. Naval Academy and St. John’s College, a tension that colors much of the city’s identity. This narrative is brought to life with expert guides who bring a practical and engaging perspective to the local history.
Midway, the adventure pauses for a hearty lunch or dinner at Galway Bay Restaurant, known for its welcoming atmosphere and a menu that balances traditional Irish fare with local favorites—options include shepherd’s pie, jerk chicken salad, and haddock and chips.
This experience is ideal for visitors seeking active cultural immersion without the exhaustion: a manageable walk combined with rich historical insights and good food. Colonial Tours of Annapolis stands out for weaving historical education into a relaxed stroll through a city that remains a vibrant testament to America’s colonial roots and waterfront legacy.
easy.
3 hours.
Suitable for most fitness levels; minimal walking required on mostly flat surfaces.
The walking portion covers less than one mile through the Historic District, paced comfortably over three hours including lunch.
Yes, lunch at Galway Bay Restaurant is included with menu choices and beverages like coffee, tea, and soda.
Yes, children under 10 can attend at a reduced rate; the tour is family-friendly and educational.
While the tour involves walking on cobblestones and some uneven surfaces, it is generally easy; please contact the company in advance to discuss specific needs.
Alcohol is available at the restaurant but is not included in the tour price and is the participant’s responsibility.
Cancellations require at least 48 hours notice to avoid losing registration fees; contact William at 443-721-6576 or Candace at 443-401-9428.
Annapolis served as the temporary U.S. capital from 1783 to 1784 and boasts one of the oldest State Houses in the nation.
Efforts in Annapolis focus on preserving historic buildings and protecting Chesapeake Bay’s delicate marine ecosystems amid increasing tourism.
Colonial Tours of Annapolis offers guided historical walking tours through the city’s Historic District. Specializing in immersive, three-hour experiences, the company highlights landmarks such as the Maryland State House, Georgian mansions, and other preserved sites that tell Annapolis’s colonial and maritime story. Guided routes emphasize local architecture, civic history, and the cultural ties between institutions. Tours include a standard Historic Walking Tour and a Historic Walking Tour with Lunch/Dinner that pairs sightseeing with a meal at Galway Bay Restaurant. The dining option features a variety of menu selections and provides a comfortable ending to a day of exploration. Guides present documented historical facts, primary-source anecdotes, and interpretive narratives that connect visitors to the city’s past. Colonial Tours of Annapolis works with local restaurants and maintains a consistent schedule for public and private groups. Its guides are experienced in local history and focused on accuracy, context, and guest engagement. The business emphasizes clear meeting points, punctual start times, and moderate walking pace suitable for most visitors. Booking information, specific departure times, group rates, and any special-event offerings are available on the company website and through direct inquiry. Colonial Tours of Annapolis’s public tours are ideal for first-time visitors, history enthusiasts, and groups seeking a curated introduction to Annapolis’s heritage. Local partnerships, careful research, and consistent guest feedback inform ongoing updates to tour content and logistics, helping ensure accurate interpretation, accessible pacing, and a reliably enjoyable experience for residents and visitors alike. Tours accommodate small private groups when available. Advance reservations recommended.
Book with Colonial Tours of Annapolis